What happened during the: Lost Hours (Paige Shelton)

This title is the fifth in experienced mystery writer Paige Shelton’s Alaska based series. Shelton has written the Scottish Bookshop series, among others.

Lost Hours is an appealingly complex story. In it, protagonist Beth is working out her family relationships and feeling more at home in Alaska. When she goes on a boat trip to see the glaciers, she sees much more including a troubled woman on the shore.

Is this woman, Sadie, being truthful? What, in fact, has happened to her and who is she? Both Beth and the reader will want to know.

This book can be read as a standalone. That said, I suspect that many readers will want to spend more time with Beth and will go back to the first four books. This is especially true because of Beth’s own history. Readers will want to know more details about her experiences.

I definitely enjoyed my time in Alaska! I also liked the character development and the story.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 06 December 2023

Now out: The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale

Virginia Kantra has written two novels that retell Little Women in a contemporary time period. I enjoyed both. When I saw this book and recognized both the author and Dorothy Gale’s name, I knew that I wanted to read this one. I am so glad that I did!

Anyone who has read The Wizard of Oz will enjoy feeling like an insider as they pick up on references and themes from Baum’s beloved classic. However, those with no familiarity with Oz at all can still relish this novel.

This is a story of dealing with situations that don’t go as one wished and then figuring out how to move on, grow and live one’s life. Readers will surely be hoping that Dorothy works things out and finds some happiness.

I loved the virtual trip to Dublin, the references to other books and Dorothy (Dee’s) story and those of the other characters. Highly recommended for fiction readers.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for this title. All opinions are my own.

HERE IS A LINK TO MY STOP ON THE BLOG TOUR:

Such an enjoyable title: The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale

Who is: Syrup to No Good (Catherine Bruns)

Here is the second title in the series that began with A Doomful of Sugar. The syrup is maple sugar syrup and the setting is Vermont. Right from the first paragraph maple syrup lovers will be salivating and readers may as well.

This book hits the marks for traditional mysteries. There is a decent plot, characters that readers will like spending time with (except with the murderer), a good setting and, even, recipes.

Protagonist Leila’s best friend is getting married. Clearly a happy occasion except in mysteries where something always will and does go wrong. In this case it is the murder of bride to be Heather’s aunt. Of course there are suspects and twists before the case is solved by the amateur sleuth.

This book will be enjoyed by fans of the genre. Many will go back to read the series starter if they missed it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 31 October 2023

Good Anxiety

The world we live in and our own personalities often leave us with anxiety on a fairly regular basis Often people think of this as a “bad” emotional feeling to be avoided (not always through the most helpful strategies) and one that serves no purpose. However, understanding more about anxiety can make a difference as Dr. Suzuki demonstrates in this title.

Dr. Suzuki takes a considered look at what anxiety is. She also offers many strategies to help “make anxiety work for you.” Hopefully, readers will feel more empowered and able to manage this complex emotion. They will, I think, also appreciate that the author shares some of her own experiences. Sounds good. Take a look at this title. It just might lead to positive change.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 07 September 2021

From the Publisher

Good Anxiety
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